About Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT

Hey car buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels that ticks all the right boxes? When you're looking for a car in India, there are so many things to consider, right? You want something that fits your budget, keeps you and your family safe, doesn't break the bank with monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and is backed by reliable company service. It's a tough decision, but what if there was a car that offered a great balance of all these?

Today, we're taking a deep dive into a very popular contender in the compact sedan segment: the new Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT. This variant from Hyundai promises a blend of style, comfort, and convenience, making it a strong choice for urban families and daily commuters. Let's see if it lives up to the hype and if it's the right car for your garage.

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT gets its power from a reliable and refined engine:

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol
• Maximum Power: Approximately 83 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: Approximately 113.8 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• Fuel Efficiency: The AMT version typically offers good fuel economy, often around 19-20 kmpl (ARAI certified), making it economical for daily use.

Design Overview

The Aura stands out with its modern and appealing design, both inside and out.

• Exterior Design: The Aura features Hyundai's signature cascading grille, sharp LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), projector headlamps, and a sleek, coupe-like roofline. The SX Plus variant might add chrome accents, stylish alloy wheels, and a subtle rear spoiler, giving it a premium feel. It's designed to look dynamic and contemporary.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you're greeted by a dual-tone cabin that feels airy and premium. The dashboard design is clean and ergonomic, with controls placed intuitively. High-quality materials and thoughtful touches enhance the overall cabin experience, making long drives comfortable.

Key Features

The SX Plus AMT variant is usually one of the top trims, meaning it comes loaded with a host of features to enhance your driving experience:

• Infotainment System: A large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Hyundai's BlueLink connected car technology (in higher variants), allowing for remote access and vehicle monitoring.
• Wireless Charging: Convenience of wireless phone charging pad
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature
• Rear AC Vents: Ensures comfort for rear passengers
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, for ease of access
• Rear Parking Camera and Sensors: For easy parking
• Sunroof: Please note, the Hyundai Aura does not offer a sunroof in any of its variants.
• 360-degree Camera: This feature is generally not available in the Hyundai Aura.

Ground Clearance

The Hyundai Aura offers a practical ground clearance, which is quite important for Indian roads:

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 165 mm

Boot Space

For a compact sedan, the Aura provides a generous boot, perfect for your luggage and shopping:

• Boot Space: Approximately 402 litres

Dimensions

Understanding the car's size helps in judging its maneuverability and cabin space:

• Length: Approximately 3995 mm
• Width: Approximately 1680 mm
• Height: Approximately 1520 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the SX Plus AMT, it's good to know the Aura's general powertrain offerings:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed AMT (our focus variant)
• 1.2-litre Bi-fuel (Petrol + CNG) with 5-speed Manual Transmission

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the Aura comes with a good set of features to keep you secure:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Reverse Parking Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Speed Alert System
• Seatbelt Reminders for Driver and Passenger

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor for many buyers. Here's what we know about the Aura's NCAP performance:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	2 Stars	2 Stars	Tested under older protocols (based on Grand i10 Nios platform)
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested	Results awaited for the updated model

It's important to note that the Global NCAP rating was based on the previous generation's platform and older testing protocols. Newer models often come with structural improvements and additional safety features.

Rivals of Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT

The compact sedan segment is fiercely competitive. The Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT primarily competes with:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire AMT
• Honda Amaze CVT (though not an AMT, it's an automatic alternative)
• Tata Tigor AMT

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let's weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT to help you make an informed choice.

Pros

• Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is known for its smoothness and refinement, making city drives pleasant.
• Smooth AMT: The 5-speed AMT offers convenient gear shifts, taking the stress out of urban traffic. It's one of the better-tuned AMTs in its class.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: With an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and automatic climate control, the Aura offers a premium and modern cabin experience.
• Stylish Design: Both the exterior and interior boast contemporary aesthetics that appeal to many buyers.
• Hyundai's Service Network: Hyundai has a vast and reliable service network across India, ensuring peace of mind for maintenance and repairs.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned to handle Indian road conditions, offering a comfortable ride quality.
• Good Boot Space: 402 litres of boot space is ample for weekend trips or airport runs.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, very tall passengers might find rear legroom a bit tight on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• No Sunroof/360-degree Camera: These trendy features are missing, which some competitors might offer in their top variants.
• GNCAP Rating: The 2-star Global NCAP rating (based on the previous platform) might be a concern for some safety-conscious buyers, although standard safety features are present.
• Highway Performance: The 1.2L engine is great for city use, but on highways, it might feel adequate rather than spirited, especially when fully loaded.
• AMT Jerkiness: While better than some, AMTs can still exhibit slight jerkiness at very low speeds or during aggressive acceleration compared to conventional automatics or CVTs.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact sedan segment for the Indian market. It offers a compelling package for those who prioritize ease of driving in city traffic, a feature-loaded cabin, a stylish appearance, and the peace of mind that comes with Hyundai's widespread service network.

While it might not be the absolute best in rear-seat space or outright highway performance, and its safety rating needs an update with newer protocols, its strengths in refinement, convenience, and features make it an attractive choice. If you're looking for a modern, comfortable, and well-equipped compact automatic sedan for your daily commutes and family outings, the Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT definitely deserves a test drive. It's a car that truly offers a great blend of value and convenience.